US appeals for calm in the Maldives

Following the arrest of former President Mohamed Nasheed to be produced in court to face charges over the unconstitutional arrest and detention of Chief Criminal Judge Abdulla Mohamed, the US government has urged all sides to remain calm.

A statement released by the US Embassy in Colombo said that it expected former President Nasheed be given every due process that the law allows.

"...the United States Embassy continues to urge all parties to find a way forward that respects Maldivian democratic institutions, the rule of law and the Maldivian constitution, as well as protects human rights and fundamental freedoms," the statement read.

"We urge all sides to remain calm, reject the use of violence and to avoid rhetoric that could increase tensions."

In response to statements that somehow the United States was involved in the detention of former President Nasheed, the Embassy strongly denied that claim.

"We note that all U.S. law enforcement cooperation includes activities that focus on professionalization and professional development of the police and places special emphasis on the need to adhere to international standards of human rights and the strengthening of democratic institutions and the rule of law," US Embassy said in the statement.

Share

Tweet

.